DECEMBER 2007: The biggest event on the smallholding calendar, The Smallholder and Garden Festival in Mid Wales, is set to be the best yet.

In its beautiful setting on the outskirts of the market town of Builth Wells, the festival enjoys a reputation of having a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

The event, on May 17 and 18, will feature many components and areas of intense activity and interest, creating something very different in concept to the main Royal Welsh Show in July.

It offers the perfect day out for the whole family – the best for shopping, food, flowers, crafts, rare breed animals, competitions, children’s entertainment and arena displays.

Last year’s festival drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 25,000. A spokesman for the organsiers said: “In spite of uncertain weekend weather, the crowds poured into the showground at Llanelwedd, surpassing the previous year’s attendance by 1,444, confirming the increasing popularity of the event.

“The relocation of the auctions to the centre of the event enhanced the spirit of the occasion, as a variety of goods were bought and sold. The rich mixture of farm stock, whether rare, unusual or common, was a sight to behold.

“The Farmers’ Markets in Wales offered a super showcase for local producers with many mouth-watering delicacies on offer. The Open Dog Show and Vintage Sections were also a hive of activity. The Floral Hall provided the usual splash of colour and the South Glamorgan Exhibition Hall was alive with sound and movement.”

You can get your Smallholder & Garden Festival 2008 tickets in their online shop at www.rwas.co.uk or by phone on 0844 545 0517 and avoid the queuing on the gate.